A Calculation Model of Hierarchical Multiplex Structure for Vehicle Routing, Scheduling, and Dispatching Problem with Single Depot

Abstract

A concept of the VRSDP/SD problem (Vehicle Routing, Scheduling, and Dispatching Problem with Single Depot) and its formularization are proposed in order to bridge the gap between conventional methods and complex situations in the real world. A HIMS model (a calculation model with HIerarchical Multiplex Structure), is also proposed for the VRSDP/SD problem. It contains 3 levels:Atom level (system energies can be controlled by a heuristic method), Molecular level (system properties can be adjusted by a heuristic method and an optimum calculation), and Individual level (system architecture can be modified by fuzzy inference). Experiments with two cases (full or partial working), are performed, which 39 gasoline stations are serviced by 10 tank lorries with daily deliveries for an oil company in the Izu peninsula area of Japan. The experimental results and the evaluations by experts from practice show that the HIMS model provides a feasible, fast, and efficient tool for the application in the real world VRSDP/SD problem.